Soups

Polish Cabbage Roll Soup (Gołąbki Zupa)

Name: Polish Cabbage Roll Soup (Gołąbki Zupa)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 pound ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; 1 bay leaf; 2 1/2 cups beef broth, plus more as needed; 3 cups canned crushed or puréed tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups water, plus more as needed; 2 1/2 pounds green cabbage, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces; 1 cup long grain white rice; 3/4 cup chopped Italian parsley, divided

This hearty and comforting soup captures all the beloved flavors of traditional Polish cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make bowl. It's a perfect one-pot meal for a chilly evening.

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the kosher salt and the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the crushed garlic, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and water. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the cut cabbage and white rice to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the cabbage and rice are submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in about 1/2 cup of the chopped Italian parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with the remaining fresh Italian parsley before serving.

Drawing inspiration from the classic Polish gołąbki, this soup brings together tender ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, and soft cabbage simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth. It’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that delivers all the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal without the fuss of rolling individual cabbage leaves. Enjoy a taste of Poland in every spoonful.